Cumberland Hospital - Chronic Illness Family

Cumberland’s staff recognizes the emotional toll that a chronic illness can have on the entire family. Sometimes parents wonder what kind of expectations they should set for their child. Should they push them harder or treat them with extra care? How much structure should they provide?

Throughout treatment, our therapists help family members understand how a chronic illness affects family dynamics. Families learn and practice appropriate roles and boundaries, how to set realistic expectations for their child’s age and capabilities and how to trust. And they learn effective, positive techniques to manage their child’s behaviors.

Family therapy also helps parents and children to develop healthy ways of communicating and dealing with stress and developmental changes so future problems do not escalate into situations that the family is not equipped to handle.